Shutdown.

Well, we're right up against the deadline for the government to shut down, and there doesn't seem to be an agreement between the two houses of  Congress and the President on the horizon.

Senate Democrats are poised to strip funding amendments from the bill, and send it back to the House, where they may either approve of it as is, or try another maneuver to put the chains on the current President's signature Health Care legislation.

Boehner would like to put the legislation on the back-burner for another year, as well as repealing the tax on medical devices, which is 2.3%.

Democrats seem to want to pin the blame of a shutdown solely on Republicans, while Obama and the Democrats don't want to negotiate at all on anything. Even with tons of cracks showing in the legislation. Even plenty of unions are up in arms over this law. They claim it will slash the traditional 40-hour workweek and the benefits that they currently enjoy. Everything isn't so neat, cut, and dry.

Why are Obama and the Democrats in such a rush to push this obviously-flawed, destructive piece of legislation forward? The warts are already showing. Is there a better, less expensive system that we can hem together? What are they not telling the general public that they should be aware of? Do we have other options? More tools in our toolbag? More ways to save money? More assets to be incorporated to cut bloated healthcare costs?

If so, shouldn't the WHOLE public be involved in the discussion before we rush forward?

Sen. Chuck Schumer claims "It is extortion. It's holding the good of the country - the economy, middle-class people at risk."

What's really extortion is holding the public hostage and obstructing an open and honest debate without all of the NEW facts out in the public view, so people can decide for themselves just what they really do or do not need, and what is actually necessary to meet the needs of the citizens of this country.

Extortion is holding people's paychecks hostage and blaming the other party because you are so hell bent on the law kicking into gear without open and honest debate, with the entire American populace tuned in and paying attention.

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, Mr. Schumer.

The Spirit that resides within me has raised almost 20 persons from the grave.
Terminal and inoperable cancers are absolutely nothing.

Let's be totally frank.
You want to cut health care costs?
It is a gift from God.

It is a truly honest place to start.